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feng shui |
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fossil fish | small fossils |
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Frequently Asked Questions |
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Dinosaur |
DinosaurWhat was the size of the smallest dinosaur? We have an image of dinosaurs as huge animals, however, the smallest dinosaur was about the size of a rooster. How do we know which dinosaurs were meat eaters and which were plant eaters? The clues lie in their teeth. Sharp, pointed and serrated teeth are a clear indication of a meat eater. Teeth with a flat biting surface are for grinding. What characteristic does the Apatosaurus share with the modern crocodile? Both animals swallow stones which then act like a mill, grinding up the food in their stomachs. AmmonitesWhat is the closest modern relative of the ammonite? The chambered Nautilus of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. What filled the chambers of the ammonite while it was alive? Gas. This kept the animal buoyant in the sea. What causes round holes in some ammonite shells? Large marine reptiles, which preyed on ammonites. TOPTrilobitesHow many different species of trilobites were there? More than 10,000. What is the meaning of the name trilobite? This name was used because their exoskeletons (shells) were divided into three distinct parts. Why are trilobites one of the more commonly found fossils? They have calcite in their exoskeletons making them resistant to decay. TOPFossil FishWhen did fish first appear? The first jawless fish lived approximately 475 million years ago. What did the earliest fish look like? They had no fins to stabilize them in the water, and probably swam like tadpoles. The lower body was covered in rows of bony scales and the head was protected by a heavy shield. When did the first sharks appear? During the carboniferous period, more than 300 million years ago. TOPMammoth TuskHow large did mammoths grow? The largest species grew to over four metres at the shoulder. Where did mammoths live? All across the northern hemisphere. Were all mammoths huge? No, there was a pigmy species living on Wrangel Island off Siberia as recently as 4000 years ago. TOPPetrified WoodIs any of the original wood preserved? No, even though the cell structure may show, all the soft wood has been replaced by harder minerals. What gives the colour to petrified wood? Minerals which replace the wood cells will colour the fossil wood from brown (Calcite) to red (jasper chalcedony) and black (carbon). Why does not all wood become petrified? Only where the wood is buried rapidly in a mineral rich environment is wood preserved as a fossil, otherwise it rots. TOPPlantsWhy are some plants poisonous? It is a defence against being eaten. When did grass first appear? During the Oligocene period about 35 million years ago. Are fossil flowers found? Although fossils of flowering plants are common, the flowers are seldom found since they are delicate and short lived. Fern leaves are found in the carboniferous period over 300 million years ago. TOPShark TeethWhat was the biggest shark ever? Megalodon. How big is the territory where sharks can be found? Sharks are found all over the world in all marine environments. Are whole skeletons of sharks ever found? Seldom. The bones of sharks are cartilaginous. They erode easily. June 28, 1999 |
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